S/ Prime Minister Ishiba/ I can’t say that I didn’t have the impression that (Trump) was an intense person to be feared. Upon meeting him in person, he is very sincere and has a strong sense of commitment to the United States and the world.

S/ President Trump/ Shinzo Abe thought the world of him, and I think he’s going to do a fantastic job as prime minister. A very strong person.

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and President Donald Trump affirmed the Japan-US alliance in their first summit meeting held in Washington on February 7.

According to Japanese officials, the talks took place amid a very good atmosphere, and the Japanese government feels a sense of relief.

Ishiba announced plans to increase investments in the US to 1 trillion dollars and to purchase US liquified natural gas. 

In regard to the contentious US Steel acquisition plan, Trump said the two agreed that Nippon Steel will invest a large amount into US Steel rather than its original plans of acquiring the US company. 

Trump opposes the acquisition but is considering meeting with Nippon Steel executives soon which may lead to further developments.

Additionally, the two reaffirmed that Article 5 of the Japan-US Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands that are claimed by China.

They touched on the situation in the Taiwan Strait, opposing any forceful change of the status quo and strongly disapproving of China.

Trump refrained from confronting Ishiba over new trade tariffs as this was their first meeting but asked him to work on reducing the US trade deficit with Japan while hinting at the possibility of imposing such tariffs.